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Lost my job, question about packages

I just found out yesterday that I am being laid off (yea it sucks). I was wondering about packages. I currently have Choice Xtra + HDDVR. We do not have locals in HD in my area. I have an AM21 and OTA antenna for this. Would I still be able to get my OTA locals in HD using the AM21 if I dropped to the lowest package DTV offers (Family)? Can I still get DVR service on the AM21 or would I have to add DVR service?

Be aware that HD Access and DVR service are a condition of your DVR lease so they may want it back if you chop too far down in scale.

If you cease to be DIRECTV's customer for any reason (whether voluntarily or involuntarily) or if you decide to disconnect/cancel/terminate your DVR service or HD Access fee (if you are leasing a DVR or HD Receiver, respectively), you must call DIRECTV within seven (7) days after the termination of your DIRECTV programming services, DVR service or HD Access fee, as applicable, to obtain information from DIRECTV necessary to arrange for a ground or air freight service to pick up and deliver all of your DIRECTV equipment to DIRECTV.

Earlier this week I dropped to the Family package. I just noticed this evening that all of my local OTA's are being down-res'd to 480P. I did a reset just to be sure it wasn't an equipment issue. Why is DTV not allowing me to watch my OTA's in HD? I currently have the Family package with DVR. I am using my own equipment (OTA antenna and AM21 that I bought)... This is b.s.

Earlier this week I dropped to the Family package. I just noticed this evening that all of my local OTA's are being down-res'd to 480P. I did a reset just to be sure it wasn't an equipment issue. Why is DTV not allowing me to watch my OTA's in HD? I currently have the Family package with DVR. I am using my own equipment (OTA antenna and AM21 that I bought)... This is b.s.

I am not sure what you attempted to do, but if you lowered it to Family HD, you need to add HD Access back on to your account. It may have gotten deleted. If you are NOT paying the HD Access fee, then you will get no locals in HD as that is part of the HD Access. It would be the same if you went with a cable provider who charges for HD Service.

I just reread what you wrote. Is it possible your OTA antenna does not receive HD channels very well? I live in Tampa, near USF, and with an indoor HD antenna I get next to nothing. I don't know what your experiences have been in the past though.

per this thread http://www.dbstalk.c...t=128527&page=5 DTV dropped the requirement that you have the HD package to get your OTA locals on the AM21. I do not currently have HD access. I do not see the benefit with the family package ($10/month to get 4 channels in HD). I will likely just cancel DTV at this point as I can just bypass the AM21 and go directly to my TV.

per this thread http://www.dbstalk.c...t=128527&page=5 DTV dropped the requirement that you have the HD package to get your OTA locals on the AM21. I do not currently have HD access. I do not see the benefit with the family package ($10/month to get 4 channels in HD). I will likely just cancel DTV at this point as I can just bypass the AM21 and go directly to my TV.

I wouldnt trust what one or even two other people might post in an on-line thread. I'm pretty sure if you want HD, even OTA through D*'s equipment, you have to still pay for the HD access.

I wish Directv would offer a locals only package. I have Family Package and there is nothing on it other then my locals that I couldn't live without. How about a local package with DVR and HD access for say $20. If I could get all of my locals via OTA I would drop the service all together. I'm just tired of paying all this money to watch tv.

I have a HTPC that I used to record OTA before DTV. I really like the integration with the AM21 into the DTV DVR and program guide. I guess for an extra $10/month I would be better off going back to my HTPC. I've had DTV for over a year now. I do not remember signing any type of multi year commitment. I need to call and see if I have the option to just cancel my services.

I've had DTV for over a year now. I do not remember signing any type of multi year commitment.

Most don't remember signing the installation order. That being said, not all agreements must be signed. In this case, the legal team at DIRECTV has chose the term "commitment" as opposed to "agreement".

I need to call and see if I have the option to just cancel my services.

You can buy your way out of what is left of your commitment for $20/month remaining.